Spain has just launched its first digital nomad visa, an elemet of the Startup Law that will allow foreign remote workers to live and work legally in the country. This new visa is aimed at attracting international talent and boosting the country’s entrepreneurship ecosystem by granting access to a range of benefits including tax breaks, investment facilities and a more flexible working permit.
The Spain digital nomad visa is available to non-EU citizens who can prove that they have a professional activity that allows them to work remotely. The visa is valid for up to a year and can be renewed, and the holder can also apply for permanent residency after five years of residence. The holder can bring family members to the country with them, but they must provide proof of their relationship and pay an additional fee.
In order to qualify for the Spain digital nomad visa, the applicant must have a valid passport from their home country. They must also have a criminal record check from their home country, which is an official document that verifies that the person does not pose a threat to the security of the country or has any criminal records.
A valid bank statement must be provided to demonstrate that the holder has sufficient funds to support themselves while in the country. The statement must show that the holder has enough money to cover basic living expenses for themselves, as well as any other bills they may have such as insurance and medical coverage. The holder must also have enough funds to cover any emergency or unexpected costs that arise during their stay in Spain.
Applicants will also need to provide a certificate of health insurance coverage that covers their planned period of time in the country. This certificate must be issued by a health authority in their home country. It should be dated within the last 12 months and be issued in English or Spanish. The holder must also provide a medical examination form that is signed and dated by a doctor in their home country.
In addition to the necessary documents, the holder must sign a declaration that states that they understand that they can only undertake remote work for companies based outside of Spain on the digital nomad visa. The declaration should contain the holder’s name, address, and passport number.
Once all of the required documents have been collected, the holder must schedule an appointment with their nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. This can be done online or over the phone and will require a copy of the applicant’s identification such as their passport or driving license. Depending on where the holder is applying from, they may also be asked to provide proof of income and any other supporting documents.